Scott Seaman Discusses Efforts By Some Universities to Sue Insurers for COVID-19 Coverage

Hinshaw partner Scott Seaman—the co-chair of the firm's global Insurance Services Practice Group—was quoted in a Bloomberg Law article titled "Universities Hit by Covid-19 Take on Insurers Over Loss Coverage." Seaman noted that we are in the "very early stages" of the COVID-19 coverage wars, which include efforts by some colleges to sue their insurers to compel coverage for coronavirus-related costs and income losses under their general commercial liability policies.

Seaman noted that many educational institutions may be waiting for a ruling by The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation so they can determine the best way to bring such cases. The JPML is considering whether business interruption cases should be grouped together by insurance company defendants. Seaman suggested another reason for the relative dearth of university-filed business interruption suits is the recognition their policies don't provide the type of coverage sought.

Read the full article on the Bloomberg Law website

"Universities Hit by Covid-19 Take on Insurers Over Loss Coverage" was published by Bloomberg Law, September 17, 2020.

Colleges, like many businesses, are turning to courts to compel insurers to provide coverage for coronavirus-related costs and income losses. https://t.co/vbE850WUPf

— Bloomberg Law (@BLaw) September 17, 2020